CHADAR

The ‘Chadar’ is a perfect example of this resourcefulness of the Ladakhis and their indomitable spirit, in the face of such daunting odds. The term ‘Chadar’ means blanket in the local language, thereby giving an indication to the nature of this whole experience. Large sections of the river Zanskar, which is one of the mightiest rivers in Ladakh, freeze over in the dead of winter and are covered by a thick blanket of ice. This frozen blanket or ‘Chadar’ is the only way in and out for Zanskaris in winter, when the road and various other caravan routes are closed. It has been their traditional trade route in winter for Centuries. The seven to eight days walk from chilling to Padum is both challenging as well as an incomparably exciting experience. The landscape aquires a pristine grandeur in winter as the trail enters into the gorge of the Zanskar, where temperatures sometimes drop to –30 to -35 Degree Celsius.

Itinerary of the event:

Day1:

Flight to Leh

Air route is the only way to reach Leh during the blood-jamming winter season. All flights reach Leh in the morning, before noon strikes. Do not forget to look at the awe-striking surge mountain range, covered by a snowy blanket as soon as your plane enters the Ladakh region, which is 11,800ft higher than trekking area.Also, put on all warm clothes like the jacket, cap and gloves to face the always-negative temperature and never-ending cold weather of the place. You will get to see white layers of snow, which sometimes convert to bulky sheets of ice.Keep an eye on your foot to prevent sliding or falling. Don’t keep your shopping pending for Leh as the city is kept partially closed during the winters. Only the shops, fulfilling the primary needs stay opened. Location’s temperature will be around -10°C in day duration and below -16°C in nights. So, try staying at hotel rooms at dawn, instead of roaming out in the cold breezes.

Enjoy the most beautiful bus journey of your lifetime to Chilling on the Leh-Srinagar highway amidst the frozen clod desert. We will cross the confluence point of Indus and Zanskar River and drive further along side of the Zanskar River till our trekking point. We can see the Chadar while sitting on the vehicle as we will travel almost 40 kilometers along side of the frozen river. The last part of the road is not paved properly and it is very narrow and dusty. Today’s trek will make you learn many things like how to walk on rock solid slippery ice. Today’s destination Tilat Sumdo (Sumdo means confluence of 2 rivers) will come after 1.5 hours of trekking and we will have our campsite in this place overnight in Tent.

Day3:

Trekking from Tilat Sumdo to Shingra Koma (6-7 hours)

We will have to trek for 9 to 10 KM to reach our destination of ShingraKoma. We will start our trek early in the morning by 8 am. Today you will get to know where to walk and where not to. You can see various forms of formation of Chadar. The view will be quite similar as last day, there’s a high chance of spotting the foot mark of Snow Leopard on the snow while trekking. Night in a Tent!

Day4:

Trekking - ShingraKoma to Tibb (7-8 hours)

Today’s trek will be a longer trek than the previous days as we will cover around 15 kilometers of distance. We will find many frozen waterfalls today on the way and one of them is gigantic! You will also get to see a waterfall on your left side, which never freezes during winter and produces a lot of water. If time permits you can take a small hike from the River Bed to see the source of this waterfall. Overnight in Tent.

Day5:

Trekking - Tibb to Nerak (7 hours)

Today we will trek for around 12 kilometers to reach our pinnacle point in this trekking expedition, called Nerak. We will see the very well known Nerak wooden bridge before reaching our campsite in Nerak. You can see the Nerak frozen waterfall, which is considered as the biggest frozen waterfall during entire trek. Nerak frozen waterfall is the major attraction in Chadar trek, so don’t forget to capture it in your camera. Nerak village is a really cold place and situated almost 2000 feet above from the river bed. You can visit the village which takes about 1.5 hours of up-hill hike from our camp site. Nerak village is small high altitude villages. If you are visiting this village then don’t forget to drink a cup of tea in a tiny village shop. This village has a satellite phone connection which you can use it by paying the charges. Don’t forget to return back to our campsite before dark as it is a steep downhill trek. Overnight in Tent.

Day6:

Trek on the way - Nerak to Tibb

We will cross the Nerak frozen waterfall while returning to Tibb. Take as much as snaps you wish, if you missed it while going. Return on the same trail to Tibb but you will find the trail becoming different within 2 days as the fresh snowfall and the different forms of Chadar makes it look different. Overnight in Tent.

Day7:

Tibb toShingraKoma

Return to ShingraKoma on the same trail with typical Zanskar scenery. Overnight in Tent.

Day8:

Trekking - ShingraKoma to Tilat Sumdo and drive back to Leh

Today we will trek back to Tilat Sumdo and return back to Leh after a lifetime adventure. Take rest in our hotel after a tired journey. Overnight in hotel / guesthouse.

Day9:

Departure

The trip is over and you can check out by morning. If you wish to explore the Cold Ladakh you can spend few more days.

Inclusions:

2 nights accommodation in a guest house/standard hotel on twin / three share basis.6 nights’ accommodations in trekking route in a tent with twin / three share basis.Tea, Coffee, Break Fast, Lunch and Dinner in trekking route, all meals are vegetarian.Services of trekking guide, porters, helpers, cook.All required equipments like tens and sleeping bag.First aid kit and oxygen cylinder.Pick up and drop from Tilat Sumdo(trek start and end point).

Exclusions:

Travel expenses to reach and return from Leh.All meals in Leh including 2nd days Breakfast.The proposed Wildlife fees, environmental fees and other fees as being put forward by LAHDC and ALTOA or any other organization.Any kind of personal expenses.Additional accommodation and food expenses if trek gets delayed due to weather, health or any other reason.Porter’s service to carry your personal luggage.Health Insurance, Personal Insurance and other travel insurance.Expenses for evacuation and rescue operations due to natural calamity, mishaps, injury or any health problem.

* If you need service of a porter then you have to pay Rs.650/- per day provided you book the same with us 15 days before date of commencement and maximum luggage limit is 10KG.

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Our travel desk can help you with air ticket bookings. Pleases call Alok Singh on 8097327743.